Category: Economy

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) exclusively dedicated to the maritime sector, has formally commenced its lending operations, marking a major milestone in strengthening India’s maritime finance ecosystem. ₹4,300 Crore Loan Sanctions Approved At its 51st Board Meeting held on December 30, 2025, SMFCL approved loan sanctions worth approximately ₹4,300 crore, signalling its entry into large-scale maritime lending in line with the strategic roadmap approved Read More …

India has overtaken Japan to emerge as the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 4.18 trillion, the government said. The United States remains the largest economy, followed by China and Germany. Set to Overtake Germany by 2030 With sustained high growth, India is poised to displace Germany from the third position in the next 2.5 to 3 years. The government projects India’s GDP to reach Read More …

India is set to sustain a rare “Goldilocks” economic phase—marked by strong growth, low inflation and financial stability—into 2026, supported by robust banking performance and continued structural reforms. Growth Momentum Inflation Trends Banking and Financial Stability Reforms and Data Methodology What is a ‘Goldilocks’ Economy?

From January 1, 2026, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will move from a transitional reporting phase to a payment-linked regime, posing a major competitiveness challenge for Indian steel and aluminium exporters. Impact on Indian ExportersAlthough the CBAM levy will be paid by EU importers, the economic burden is expected to be passed on to Indian exporters through price renegotiations and tighter contracts. Estimates by the Global Trade Read More …

The Government of India has launched the much-awaited Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention for exporters, with a total outlay of ₹4,531 crore over six years, aimed at strengthening market access and export diversification, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters and priority sectors. Part of Export Promotion Mission Strong MSME Focus Immediate Rollout Key Activities Supported Structured financial and institutional support will be provided for: Implementation Framework Significance The MAS Intervention is Read More …

The Union Finance Ministry on December 31 notified February 1, 2026 as the appointed date for implementing the Health se National Security Cess Act and the Central Excise (Amendment) Act. Objective of the New LawsThe two legislations aim to retain and restructure high taxation on tobacco and related ‘sin goods’ even after the rationalisation of GST rates. Revised Tax Structure on Tobacco Products Excise Duty Rates Announced Use of Revenue Read More …

Copper prices touched a fresh all-time high in December 2025, with the benchmark price crossing $12,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The metal has surged by over 35% in 2025, marking its sharpest annual rise since 2009. Why Copper MattersCopper is a critical industrial metal used across housing, manufacturing, power grids, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and defence. Because of its widespread use, copper prices are often viewed Read More …

Free Trade Agreements are arrangements between two or more countries aimed at facilitating trade in goods and services by reducing or eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers. FTAs also cover investment protection, intellectual property rights, standards, government procurement, and dispute resolution, creating a predictable and rules-based trading environment. Why FTAs Matter for IndiaIndia’s FTAs are designed to open new opportunities for Indian businesses, farmers, students, and professionals while strengthening the country’s Read More …

The Income Tax Department has launched a data-driven NUDGE (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, urging taxpayers to voluntarily review and correct deduction and exemption claims that may be potentially ineligible, as flagged through advanced risk analytics. Trust-first, advisory approachIdentified taxpayers are being contacted via SMS and email, requesting them to re-examine their claims ahead of the 31 December deadline for filing Read More …

Why in News:India and New Zealand have concluded a comprehensive, balanced and forward-looking Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking one of India’s fastest-concluded FTAs. Negotiations were formally launched on 16 March 2025. Key Features of the India–New Zealand FTA Market Access & Trade Services, Mobility & People-to-People Ties Investment Commitments India–New Zealand Economic Relations: Snapshot Broader Context

The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks, marking a shift from the existing flat-rate premium system operated by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). Key Highlights Existing Deposit Insurance System Legal Provision Proposed Risk-Based Premium Structure Scope of Deposit Insurance

Why in News:India’s life insurance coverage has expanded significantly over the last decade, driven mainly by the growth of group and credit-linked insurance products, according to a recent CareEdge Ratings report. Key Findings Penetration and Density: Still Low Despite expansion, India remains underpenetrated in insurance: Concept clarity: Structural Concerns Significance

Indian Railways has begun operating the Niryat Cargo Express, an export-focused, assured transit service, as a double-stack container train. Previous Operations Key Features Benefits to Exporters

Three metric tonnes (MTs) of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura district, Karnataka, were exported to Oman on 19 December 2025. Earlier Export About Indi Lime Benefits of GI Tag Impact on Farmers

The Supreme Court held that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) cannot be separated from Corporate Environmental Responsibility. Great Indian Bustard Protection Constitutional Basis CSR as a Constitutional Obligation Polluter Pays Principle Legal Framework for CSR Mandatory CSR Criteria Sources: ET & PIB